Poop-Eating Dogs—More Common Than You Think
If your dog is eating poop, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining things. This condition, known as canine coprophagia, affects both puppies and adult dogs. While it may be revolting to humans, for dogs it can be triggered by instincts, nutritional deficiencies, behavioral issues, or health problems.
This comprehensive guide explores all the scientifically supported causes and effective, humane training methods to stop your dog from eating poop.
🚨 Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? (Coprophagia Explained)
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Instinctual Behavior | In the wild, mother dogs eat their puppies’ feces to keep the den clean and free of scent trails. Puppies often mimic this. |
| Nutritional Deficiencies | Lack of digestive enzymes, Vitamin B, or poor-quality diet may cause dogs to seek extra nutrients in feces. |
| Parasites | Intestinal parasites rob nutrients, causing increased hunger or strange cravings. |
| Boredom or Anxiety | Dogs left alone or unstimulated may eat poop for attention or as a compulsive behavior. |
| Punishment-Driven | Dogs scolded for pooping indoors may eat the evidence to avoid punishment. |
| Health Conditions | Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, thyroid imbalance, or malabsorption syndromes may trigger coprophagia. |
📚 Scientific Backing: A study published in Veterinary Medicine International (2012) found that coprophagia was observed in 16% of dogs. The behavior is often linked with poor digestion or anxiety (source).
✅ Step-by-Step Training Solutions That Work
1. 🍽️ Switch to a Nutritionally Complete Diet
- Why it works: Ensures no nutrient deficiencies driving the behavior.
- How to do it: Choose a vet-recommended food with complete amino acid and enzyme profiles (look for AAFCO standards).
- Compare: Homemade diets or low-grade kibbles often lack these essentials.
2. 🔁 Consistent Clean-Up Routine
- Why it works: Removes the temptation before your dog gets to it.
- How to do it: Pick up immediately after defecation, especially in multi-dog households.
3. 👃 Use Taste-Deterrents (Vet-Approved Only)
- Examples: For-Bid, CoproBan, NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent.
- Mechanism: These supplements make feces taste bitter or unpleasant to dogs.
- How to use: Administer with food daily for 2–4 weeks.
4. 🧠 Behavioral Training (“Leave It” + Redirection)
- Why it works: Teaches your dog to avoid feces and focus elsewhere.
- Steps:
- Train basic command “Leave it” using treats.
- Practice on-leash around feces or dummy items.
- Reward redirection with high-value treat or play.
5. 🐶 Increase Mental & Physical Stimulation
- Why it works: Boredom is a common trigger for poop-eating.
- Routine:
- 2 daily walks (30 mins each)
- Puzzle feeders
- Tug and fetch games
6. 🩺 Rule Out Medical Issues
- How to do it: Schedule a full vet checkup.
- Tests to ask for:
- Stool test (parasites)
- Blood panel (thyroid, glucose, cortisol)
- Pancreatic enzyme level
7. 🛑 Never Punish After the Fact
- Why: It may create anxiety or reinforce poop-eating to “hide the evidence.”
- Instead: Focus on prevention and reward-based methods.
8. 🧴 Enzyme or Probiotic Supplements
- Why it helps: Aids digestion, reducing undigested food in stool.
- Examples: Purina FortiFlora, VetriScience Probiotic Everyday.
9. 🦷 Dental Hygiene
- Why it’s relevant: Some dogs start eating poop if their mouth smells like feces from previous behavior.
- Tip: Brush teeth daily + add dental chews.
🧠 Summary Table: Training Solutions vs Cause
| Cause | Best Solution | Backup Method |
| Nutrient Deficiency | High-quality diet | Enzyme/probiotic supplement |
| Parasites | Deworming | Stool tests every 6 months |
| Behavioral (boredom) | Stimulation | Puzzle feeders, training sessions |
| Anxiety | Desensitization + redirection | Calming aids (DAP collar) |
| Learned habit | Behavioral training | Taste deterrents |
👩⚕️ Expert Quotes
“Most cases of coprophagia stem from either anxiety or incomplete digestion. Address the root cause and you’ll likely see results within weeks.” — Dr. Sarah Bright, DVM, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
“Avoid yelling. Positive reinforcement is the only long-term solution that works for behavioral poop eating.” — Karen London, PhD, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting any new dietary or behavioral treatment for your dog.
🧩 FAQs: Your Coprophagia Questions Answered
1. How long does it take to stop a dog from eating poop?
Most dogs improve within 2–6 weeks if the right trigger is identified and addressed consistently.
2. Is poop eating in dogs dangerous?
Yes, it can transmit parasites and bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, especially if it’s another animal’s feces.
3. Do puppies outgrow poop eating?
Some do, but early training and clean-up habits help reduce the chance it becomes chronic.
4. Are some breeds more prone to coprophagia?
Yes. Labrador Retrievers, Shelties, and Terriers show higher incidence rates, possibly due to curiosity and scavenging instincts.
5. Can changing my dog’s food stop poop eating?
If it’s related to a nutritional deficiency, yes. Look for formulas rich in digestive enzymes, fiber, and vitamins.
6. Do taste deterrents actually work?
They can help some dogs, especially when used with training—but not all respond.
7. Can stress or anxiety cause poop eating?
Absolutely. Rescue dogs or dogs left alone for long periods often engage in poop eating as a stress behavior.
8. What if my dog eats cat poop?
Cat feces are rich in protein and appealing to some dogs. Prevent access and train using the same redirection principles.
9. Is it a sign of a serious illness?
Sometimes. If it’s new or frequent, consult a vet to rule out medical causes.
10. Should I muzzle my dog to stop poop eating?
Only as a last resort and under professional guidance. Focus first on behavioral modification and prevention.
📝 Final Words: Patience Pays Off
Stopping your dog from eating poop takes consistency, compassion, and a little detective work. By combining nutritional correction, behavioral training, and expert support, most dogs can break the habit within weeks.
Every dog is different—so tailor your solution to your pup’s needs, and don’t hesitate to get professional help. 🐾
